Dorset take precautions after largest ever outbreak of bird flu

An avian flu “prevention zone” has been declared across Great Britain in the face of rising case numbers as the country battles the largest ever outbreak of the disease.

It will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Britain to follow strict measures to protect flocks from bird flu, including keeping free range birds in fenced areas and stringent biosecurity for staff on farms.

Alison Board from Blanford owns seven hens and has taken great precautions to protect her flock.

Alison said: "I am very fortunate that my talented husband has got me a run that is fully protected so they can stay safe. 

"It’s a massive concern, I can’t let them out into the garden.

"I’ve got lots of things in place so they still have enrichment in the run, I'm going to spend this weekend adding more things in there so that they are fine whilst this is all going on.

READ MORE: Bird flu outbreak sparks precautions at Bournemouth Aviary

"We had to do this last year between November to May with is an incredibly long time, but it is such an awful disease you need to take extreme precautions.

"I understand exactly why these measures are put in, it concerns me that people don’t know much about it.

"There have been entire populations of seabirds wiped out in areas before and no one hears about it."

A spokesperson from the RSPB, which has several sites in Dorset including Arne and Lodmoor, said: "The measures taken are to both reduce disturbance to vulnerable birds and reduce the risk to the public.

"This includes asking the public to keep dogs on short leads, restricting access to some areas or restricting some activities.

"This is important as to minimise unnecessary flight amongst infected birds as using up energy could inhibit their ability to fight the virus and additional movement can spread it. 

READ MORE: Dozens of dead birds found at beaches across Dorset

"Our policy, in most cases, is to leave dead birds on the ground unless its location is a significant public health risk.

"This is due to handling dead or dying birds being a health risk for the workforce. Removing dead birds can cause disturbance and unnecessary flight among infected birds, which takes up energy they need to conserve and can help spread the disease."

The virus is often spread via infected bird faeces, nasal secretions and saliva. Wild birds are often more resistant to the virus than domestic ones.

A BCP spokesperson said about their aviary off Westover Road: “BCP Council is determined to take the necessary actions needed to meet the threat posed by this outbreak of avian flu.

“We’re continuing to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect from the threat of avian flu. We installed covers at the Aviary in Bournemouth Gardens last month as a precaution to make sure that we have the best care for our rescue birds.”